Fourth Bobst delivered in £2m install at Ultimate Packaging

Ultimate Packaging has invested £2m in a new Bobst 20Six CS press, the fourth in its lineup of the eight-colour flexo presses.

The new machine replaces a Fischer & Krecke 16S flexo press and will reduce setup times and increase capacity.

It has been installed with a downstream unit for film coating, making it the second 20Six the Grimsby firm has taken on board with the additional enhancement.

“We chose the 20Six as we currently have three other Bobsts and this allows jobs to be interchangeable,” said sales director Paul Best. “It will produce a wide variety of products that require anti-mist coatings and different print finishes. We also have the ability to produce water-based, which will open up new markets to us.

“For our clients, the new machine provides quicker turnarounds, shorter setup times and greater flexibility that can enhance our offering.”

With a web width of 1.3m and speeds of 500m/min, the 20Six CS is designed to deliver consistency across a wide range of substrates and applications. It was bought explicitly by Ultimate Packaging for the diversity of applications it could offer.

It is equipped with a graphic positioning system (GPS) which allows it to reduce setup times and waste by carrying out all registration and impression-related setup at the plate mounting stage.

Next, the firm will invest in a new laser perforation machine to work alongside its own Adapt Map programme, which tailor-makes unique laser perforation designs to suit fresh produce respiration rates and improve shelf life of products.

Ultimate Packaging employs 250 people on its 9,290sqm premises.